Book clubs are thriving. People meet in libraries and private homes, online and via television. You can also find book clubs in bookstores and in coffee shops across Brisbane.
People join book clubs because they love to read and then meet and discuss the book they've just finished. The camaraderie that results can be a delightful bonus to the whole experience.
Council library book clubs
Brisbane City Council Libraries can be a wonderful complement to your book club. With staff passionate about reading and a citywide collection of over 1.3 million items, your local library is worth a visit. Often book clubs will meet at a local library and they are usually open to new members. Ask if a club meets at your nearest library.
Brisbane libraries also have suggestions of ‘Top 40 Book Club Reads', containing 40 titles handpicked for book clubs.
You can also subscribe to the libraries' online newsletters 'Book Club Companion' - where you will receive timely information about great book club reads, author events and links to online library resources including Good Reading Magazine, Literature Resource Centre, Novelist and more.
Avid Reader book clubs
This bustling book shop in West End hosts a variety of book clubs, for various reading tastes.The titles are chosen by the Avid Reader staff and then hosted by them too. You are required to buy the books in-store.
Borders book shop
There are monthly book clubs at the Garden City, Chermside, City and Robina Borders' stores. Borders hosts other 'bookie' events too.
Coaldrakes
For a non-fiction only book club join the Edmund Burke Bookclub at Coaldrakes Bookstores. It meets on the first Wednesday of the month. Contact the stores (at Fortitude Valley and the Barracks) for more information.
Riverbend books
Book clubs sure are popular in Bulimba! This bookstore currently runs six bookclubs and membership is closed for 2010. But get in contact with them about registering for 2011.
QAG members book club
An added benefit of being a member of the Queensland Art Gallery (QAG) is that you can participate in the monthly book club discussions at the Gallery. Books are chosen for having some relevance to a current exhibition and they can be bought at the Gallery store for a discounted price.
First Tuesday Book Club
If you want a virtual, national book club then become part of the discussion and reviews connected to the ABC television book program, the First Tuesday Book Club. You'll get monthly lists of books to read and a great website to share your thoughts on it. Or just watch the show and read what others write.
Brisbane Writers Festival
Every year thousands of Brisbane's book lovers gather for a huge 'book club' - the Brisbane Writers Festival. Join discussions about books, hear authors and take workshops. The next Festival is 7 - 11 September 2011.
Make your own
There's no reason you can't start your own book club. Collect some friends or open it to the wider community. Perhaps you want a theme to the club - non-fiction, Australian novels, winners of the Nobel Prize for Literature...Whatever you choose, your passion for reading will be infectious.
Tips for a successful book club
The most successful book clubs are those where members meet regularly and take turns to select books and lead the discussion. Here are some other tips to ensure your book club's success.
Choose your books wisely
Books that reveal an important truth or provide a profound sense of kinship between reader and writer are always popular. Books about contentious issues or hot topics are often excellent choices to generate exciting book discussion.
Encourage healthy debate
Book clubs are all about debating ideas and opinions in a social, informal and friendly atmosphere. Healthy debate, differing views and acceptance of other people's reactions will enable excellent discussion to take place.
Don't be afraid to criticise a book
Some of the best book discussions centre on books that many group members dislike. Just remember to get beyond the "I just didn't like it" statement and think about what it was about the book that made it unappealing. Was it the style or the characters? Has the author written other books that you liked better? Did it remind you of another book that you liked or disliked?
Prepare for your meetings and think about what you are reading
Reading a book for discussion is different to reading just for pleasure. While reading your book club choices, ask yourself questions, read carefully, imagine yourself in the story, analyse style and search for personal meaning. This will all enhance the work's value and the discussion potential for your group.
Read books you wouldn't normally
One of the best things about being a member of a book club is the opportunity to challenge yourself by reading books you wouldn't normally choose - diversifying your reading tastes by trying new authors and genres.
Try a Brisbane author
Brisbane is home to many talented authors. If you're looking for a book to read, why not try supporting a local?
So, what are you waiting for? If you enjoy reading and would like to meet some new people, try joining a book club.
